It seems to me a materialist, that the spirit is an embodiment of physical and mental health. In times gone past people who wanted to be nearer God and or to purify the spirit would humble themselves, fast, isolate themselves from people and other worldly concerns. This would reduce the tension in there minds, they would reduce there ego so their perception and thoughts would be impartial. Self affirmation is vanity, the lifestyle of most of us in developed countries is by nature quite sinful. "There is a way that seems right to a man"
